The Grieving Process of Miscarriages: A Narrative Inquiry

Abstract

Miscarriage, or pregnancy loss, is a loss event that often leads to significant challenges and distress for the individuals, couples, and families that experience them. The specifics of the grieving and healing processes from this type of loss are not fully understood due to its ambiguous and various nature. Thus, the importance of understanding this loss is important for therapists working with this population. This qualitative study consists of a narrative inquiry analysis of 30 blog entries from individuals detailing the stories of their pregnancy loss. Six themes were identified: emotions about pregnancy, grief and loss, fear of stigma, emotions about miscarriage, meaning of parenthood, and the healing process. The clinical implications of the findings suggest how to support clients who have experienced miscarriage. Future research implications as well as the potential impact of current political tensions surrounding reproductive rights will be discussed.

Keywords:

• Miscarriage
• unexpected pregnancy loss
• grief
• healing process
• trauma
• and qualitative analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).